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T O P I C R E V I E W

Gus Man B

Does anyone know how the quality and accuracy the Danbury Columbia model is? Is it worth spending the money for one?

What would be the most accurate space shuttle model out there?

Spaceguy5

As far as accuracy goes, I think the AXM Paper Models space shuttles are the most accurate I've seen -- he's done a lot of research on the markings of the shuttles (and also has many resources posted on his site for modelers in other media) so that an orbiter/stack from any mission in any time period can be recreated accurately.

He also has payloads available for many missions, with more to come.

However the models are only in 1/144 scale, and therefor don't have the highest fidelity. He's planning on making some in 1/100, which I'm sure will be much much more detailed. Most are available for free.

Wow, good timing. My Danbury Mint Columbia just saw the light of day for the first time in several years... I'm reducing and re-packing my space collection in preparation for a move.

The DM Columbia is a handsome model, though not very detailed at all, especially for a die-cast. Curiously, it has opening cargo bay doors, even though no payload is displayed. The scale is a bit odd (1:150), but the Danbury Mint clearly scaled the models in their spaceflight set to complement each other visually when displayed together.

I bought this model when it was originally released, and I'm glad I did. As to whether it's "worth it" now, I have no earthly idea.

But given that I now have Bandai's recent 1:144 Shuttle stack, with an orbiter model that's light years beyond the Danbury Mint Columbia in terms of detail, finish, and display options, I have to think I'd have a hard time justifying today's secondary-market prices for the DM orbiter model.

Philip

Without any doubt... Bandai's Endeavour.

alexbaja

I agree... no doubt Bandai's Endeavour.

arjuna

Thirded. Bandai.

Jay Chladek

I'll throw my hat in on the Bandai model as well. They got details right on it that ALL other producers of shuttle model replicas have missed (such as Endeavour's drag chute housing, NOBODY else has done that feature).

Only way to get a better replica in my opinion is to pay somebody who knows shuttles to build one for you.

Spaceguy5

I have a feeling that this 1:48 paper model will end up by far being the most accurate space shuttle model.

Right now he's working on the external tank umbilical wells, which look absolutely fantastic. He also has the star tracker doors movable and intends to do the same with the SSMEs, landing gear, and everything else.

However he mentioned wanting to do STS-34 so I'm not sure if he'll include the drag chute housing (Knowing him, I imagine he'll make it an optional part).

Given his very close attention to detail, I can't imagine how wonderful the final product will be. The best part is that so far, he's released everything for free.

SuperKungFu

If you want to see more detail pictures of Bandai Shuttle, look at my review here.

leerevill

That Bandai shuttle is a true work of art, I must find one for a reasonable price that I can afford, it is truly beautiful. This now is a grail piece for me.